Written by

Jude Bautista

To ease the tension between them, Meng Xiao Dong (Zhang Zi Yi) picked up incense sticks and bowed before a Chinese god.  Mei Lan Fang (Leon Lai) followed suit. After their prayers she couldn’t help but ask “What did you wish for?” Changing her mind she put her finger on his lips saying, “My worst fear is that you didn’t wish for the same thing…if only I could sing with you forever.”

“Forever Enthralled” may be the best film to showcase Chinese history and culture in the 5^th Spring film fest held at Shangri La Plaza Cineplex from January 27 to February 1, 2011. Catch it at 4:10PM today.

International superstar Zhang Zi Yi’s actual screen time in the film by Chen Kaige was quite limited. But the influence and power of her role on the main character was the one that literally changed him. The film is a true story based on the life of Mei Lan Fang the biggest star Chinese Opera has ever produced. He was a wunderkind who showed his talent even at a very young age. To Filipinos Leon Lai may remind them of crooner Richard Poon. Zhang has a strong resemblance to supermodel Apples Aberin. (To compare their features click on this link for an earlier published article)

Right: Shaoqun Yu as the young Mei Lanfang. Photo from official facebook site

Zhang Zhi Yi is perfect for the role of Meng Xiao Dong who is herself an acclaimed actress even when she first meets Mei.  Zhang lights up the screen the second she appears. She has an infectious cheerfulness that ‘enthralls’ Mei, he could not take his eyes off her. Her playful attitude breathed life into his drab demeanor. He sees her for the first time in the house of his producer Feng Zi Guang (Da Ying). Smiling she approaches calls him ‘Master Mei’ and opens an umbrella to protect him from the rain. She introduces herself as a yaya, “I am the handmaid of painted faces (referring to opera performers).” When they go into the party Feng introduces her as the top actress of the time. Mei is both shocked and apologetic but very much charmed.

From left: An impromptu performance by Meng Xiao Dong (Zhang Zhi Yi) and Mei Lan Fang ( Leon Lai). Photo from official facebook site

In the same party, Producer Feng asks Meng for an impromptu song. She thinks of ‘Plum Dragon Town’ and requests Mei as her partner. As they start she begins to giggle uncontrollably. After trying to sing the duet a couple of times she apologizes to Mei, “When you’re not made up you look like a man.” For both of them they switch genders whenever they are on stage. Mei sings in a high pitched female voice while Meng sings in a male voice. In nearly all of his roles Mei is a female. Their vocals in this case are even more remarkable as they are both believable. Every time they are on screen together the energy is so high and moving.  They are so perfect for each other in every conceivable way. You can’t help but fall in love with them as a couple.

Meng Xiao Dong’s (Zhang Zhi Yi) gender bending role as Emperor. Photo from official facebook site

The film has a very strong nationalistic Chinese theme. The era spans from early 20^th century to the end of World War II. Seeing a time when opera seemed to be the king of all mediums especially in Beijing makes one long for the past. There’s a very rich sense of literature, history and art that was in everyday life. Director Chen Kaige’s skills as a screenwriter shine in this film. Viewers will appreciate Mei not just as an actor but also as a hero during the Japanese occupation.

Seeing a time when opera seemed to be the king of all mediums especially in Beijing makes one long for the past. Photo from official facebook site

Chinese opera is a combination of so many things like dance, music with colorful elaborate costumes and make up. Early in the story Mei Lan Fang was at odds with the old master of opera Shi Sanyan (Xueqi Wang). Mei as a teenager had all these ideas of innovating and improving the old traditional stories which Master Shisan rejected.  Shisan was already in his senior years but was still able to do a double back flip. They have showdown of acting skills, not unlike a kung fu duel as to who can draw the bigger box office.

Another important character is Qiu Rubai (Honglei Sun) who guides his adopted brother Mei through his career. He recognizes that all artists and creative people feed off solitude and loneliness. This is where the truthfulness of Mei’s performances comes from. Seeing that Meng makes him genuinely happy, she is perceived as a threat to everything they hold dear.